We had not been abroad for holidays because I was scared of flying and don't travel well. But it was going to be our 30th wedding anniversary and I wanted to do something special for my husband so we choose Porec, Croatia and it was the most wonderful place. The hotel was on its own little island, a five-minute boat ride from the mainland and had incredible views. It was lovely and clean and with little coves and beaches around with beautiful clear blue sea and we would just sit in the sea and watch the fish swim around us. The hotel was clean and the staff really friendly and food was lovely and catered for all. We often walked around the island on the warm evenings or there were boats to take you into the town on the mainland which was lovely because it was not commercialised and quite Italian in style with friendly people. The weather was hot but the place was so romantic and we will remember our 30th wedding anniversary for the rest of our lives.
52440, Poreč, Croatia 794 m W
+385 52 465 000
Google map: bit.ly/w6feBu
A tiny local bar/club - you won't hear yourself think or see across the room for smoke - but to meet local people, enjoy cheap local drinks and escape the pompous arses in Carpe Diem in a lively and exciting atmosphere - this is perfect.
Down one of the backstreets off the main strip of bars (the walkway by the yachts, where Carpe Diem is) - you'll probably need to ask a local!
Either is a very appropriate name for, what must be, one of the coolest bars in the world. Work your way down from the Pile Gate, through the old town which is delightful, find the Jesuit Church and then the "outside wall" - there are a couple of hand written signs saying simply "Cold Drinks". There is a small doorway through the wall which leads you to a tiny bar nestling on jagged rocks. There are only about a dozen tables which all face out to the fabulous Adriatic, various rocks and small islands. Entertainment is provided by local lads slightly showing off by diving off the fairly high rocks and the conversation is a babble of languages with Australian accents to the fore (the Aussies can always find a good Buza!). Magical spot and worth the prices for the views and ambience.
www.cafebuza.com/
Trgovina Buža - caffe bar Buža
Crijevićeva 9, 20 000 DUBROVNIK
+385 91 589 4936
Google map: bit.ly/vzFqcR
Tomislav Radulovic will transfer you to/from Dubrovnik Airport to your hotel for 250 kunas each way. This is per journey- not per passenger. He will confirm the details to you by email. Speaks fluent English and is very helpful and prompt. He will also take you on excursions/sight-seeing if you so wish.
This luxury hotel is a short stroll from the old town. It has fantastic sea view rooms (at an extra cost of course!) and provides L'Occitane toiletries daily. The breakfast buffet has a wide choice of hot and cold food and there is Cava each day for bucks fizz. It has a beautiful large inside swimming pool which is free to residents and all the staff are very helpful. If it is your birthday- they will send a cake and a birthday greeting to your room free of charge. This hotel is well worth staying in.
www.hotel-excelsior.hr
Frana Supila 12, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
+385 20 430 830
Google map: bit.ly/vU5AI7
Shopping in the Old Town of Split (originally a Roman Palace) is a truly unique and amazing experience. This cobbled and car-free area is packed full of authentic, independent stores, specialising in shoe shops, cafes and bars. If that's not enough, in summer a fruit and veg market and numerous gift stalls are found close by. Positioned on the seafront, it promises excellent views of the azure sea and lush palm trees as well as delicious, home-made ice-cream!
Google map: bit.ly/uwRlDA
This July me and my girlfriend stayed at this apartment and were really satisfied since it was right in the center but in a calm street. The owner Ana Pelaic was very friendly and showed us around. The apartment was very clean and well equipped. We would stay there again.
Aljesijeva 15
+385916386839
www.apartmentssplit.net/Apartments/accommodation/View/adriatic/59/Split-apartment-Peristil.aspx
Google map: bit.ly/qukoUk
We found this accommodation totally by chance, and are so happy we did. Not only did the place looks great, but our hosts, Tomo and Zeljka (and their dog Duje) were more than perfect hosts. We were accommodated in the Garden apartment, which is situated (as the name says) in the garden, separated from the other apartments. It was a great choice for us as we were there with our two-year-old: there weren't any stairs, so we could leave him free to run around the yard without being afraid something would happen. the garden was really beautiful, very tastefully arranged with stone table, barbecue, small fountain, lemon and orange trees, and aromatic lavander that gave a special touch to this peaceful place. There is also a jacuzzi "separé", where you can hide yourself from other people and relax.
Tomo and Zeljka were there for us any time we needed, and they offered us their help in everything they thought we might need, including preparing sea food and the barbecue.
www.villa-kamenica.hr
Villa Kamenica, Mihovila Pavlinovića 15, 21485 Komiža, Croatia
+385 99 41 22 696
info@villa-kamenica.hr
It's a luxury hotel like many others in the area but it's perched on a cliff face and has its own James Bond-style private beach at the bottom of the cliff.
www.hotel-bellevue.hr
Pera Čingrije 7, Dubrovnik, Croatia
+385(0)20 430 826
Google map: bit.ly/mOxMaC
Dvori Sv. Jurja is an estate on top of the Hvar overlooking the sea and island of Scedro. It is a very unique and chilled place comprising of three stone houses in a typical Mediterranean garden with all amenities you need: a pool, tennis court and a vegetable garden. Ideal for a relaxing holiday far enough from hustle of the Hvar town and yet not too far from beaches and the nightlife should you want it. Surrounded by lavender fields and untouched nature, with wild horses roaming around offers many opportunities for walks, hikes as an alternative to the usual beach experience. We stayed there with friends for two weeks last summer and have actually organised our wedding there. The owners, Olga and Veljko were amazing hosts and provided all the support and help we needed which ensured we had an unforgettable wedding plus a great holiday.
www.hvarskidvori.info/Home_v2.aspx
+38521761404
Lucica BB, 21465 Jelsa
This compelling gallery in Dubrovnik is dedicated to the work of war photographers, and shows exhibitions from wars around the globe, as well as the Balkan conflict. The powerful images are both hard hitting and heartbreaking, and show people struggling to live their daily lives through wars which are brutal and often misunderstood. It is certainly not easy viewing, but I cannot recommend this gallery enough. These are the lives and deaths of real people, and I urge you to rise to the emotional challenge.
Antuninska 6, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
+385 20 322 166
www.warphotoltd.com/
Google map: bit.ly/ezaK8l
The islet of Trogir is a popular Croatian tourist destination and World Heritage site. Billionaires park their yachts here during the summer months. However, a short walk round the town and away from the quayside leads you to a causeway back to the mainland and the extensive daily market. Under an array of shady parasols local produce – fruit, preserves, fresh herbs, cheeses and vegetables - is displayed in abundance and elderly Croatian ladies are set up round the edges with tiny trestle tables, eager to sell you their pots of honey and hand-picked crops; anything from plums to courgettes. Afterward you can pick up a coffee and a Croatian pastry in one of the nearby bakery stalls.
Trogir is on the Dalmatian coast about 20 miles from Split. The market is just off the main road beside the causeway that leads on to Trogir island.
www.dalmacija.net/destination/trogir
The Island Of Korcula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea. It is also one of the most popular travel destinations in this part of Croatia. Like most of the Croatian islands, the Greeks, who gave it the name Korkyra Melaina or 'Black Corfu' for its dark and densely wooded appearance, first settled Korcula.
Recommend: Budget hotel Dragan's Den
Google map: bit.ly/eQxvIA
www.korculainfo.com/
Atmospheric Irish pub in a cellar in a side street off the Stradun.
Dropceva 4A
www.katieoconnors.com/
Google map: bit.ly/boH2KS
All the guidebooks suggest you should go here, but honestly a big big disappointment.
To us it was no more than a hotel lobby bar and while there is a good view in the day, at night you can't see out due to the reflections of the interior on the glass.
Masarykov put 20
The No 4 bus goes straight from Pile Gate to the front door of the hotel.
www.dubrovnikpalace.hr
Google map: bit.ly/dvs8Z9
On of the main things to be done when visiting Dubrovnik. You can walk around the city walls with great views to be had.
Main entrance near the Pile gate, on the left hand side as you come through the gate.
Google map: bit.ly/btTpel
Probably the best beach area in Dubrovnik.
As with most beaches in Croatia, very little if any sand with pebbles the order of the day.
However views are great and water is clean and clear.
Loungers and sun umbrellas can be hired.
No 4 or No 6 bus from Pile Gate will take you near the beach.
Beach is located at bottom of Kralja Zvonmira.
Google map: bit.ly/cMYVSl
The city centre beach Banje is just a short walk from the Ploce Gate. As with most beaches in Croatia, the water is clean & clear but the beach itself is pebbly rather than sandy. Most of this beach has been sold off to the East - West bar / restaurant. Sun loungers & umbrellas are available for hire at 120KN for two loungers and one umbrella.
The locals tend to congregate in the half that still is under municipal control.
Banje beach outside Ploce gate
Google map: bit.ly/bdjbOy
Standard fare but cheap and popular with locals. Ideal for people on a budget wanting to have a sit down meal with some drinks.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcjlP0MMpOQ
At the far end of the Riva (Marjan peninsula end)
Trumbiceva obala 11
Open 7am - midnight daily
Google map: bit.ly/ddrl65
The best restaurant we found in Split. Very nice setting and friendly staff.
Great quality Croatian/Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices.
Cost us 245 KN (£30) for 1 starter, 2 mains, 1L of wine & cappucinos to finish.
On left hand side of Sperun (as you come up from waterfront).
Sperun 3, Split, Croatia
Google map: bit.ly/9C4pw1